HUNTSVILLE, AL -- For the second straight year, a graduate from the University of Alabama in Huntsville has been recognized as one of the nation's top 100 scientists.

Dr. Rahul Ramachandran earned his doctorate from UAH in 2002 in atmospheric science. He was selected as a receipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

According to an announcement by the school, the award is the nation's highest honor given by the U.S. government for scientists early in their careers.

"I am extremely excited to see Dr. Rahul Ramachandran win this award," said Dr. Sundar Christopher, Chair of the Atmospheric Science Department. "He is a creative researcher and uses his computer and atmospheric science background to solve important problems."

After graduation, Ramachandran worked in the Information Technology and Systems Center at UAH. He now works as a senior spatial systems architect in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

"The fact that UAHuntsville graduates have been honored two years in a row speaks volumes to the quality of research that is taking place on our campus," UAH President David Williams said. "We are very proud to see Dr. Ramachandran have this high honor bestowed upon him."